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Disney World resorts vs. off-site hotels: Which option is better?

By Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com

When planning to visit one of the world's most popular destinations, Walt Disney World in Orlando, the first question on many people's minds is where to stay: at an official Disney resort or off site? Cost is an important factor, of course, but so is the quality of your experience. For many families, particularly those from out of state, a Disney trip is a rare treat. Expectations for the experience are high. Balancing those expectations with good hotel value can be tricky, so being informed about your options is vital.

Don't get mad: Hotel prices in Orlando run the gamut, so if one price isn't your cup of tea, keep looking.

Robyn Beck, AFP via Getty Images

Why stay at a Disney resort?

There are more than 20 official Disney-owned resorts on property, with accommodations ranging from campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground to deluxe villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. There are many benefits to staying at one of these resorts:

• Proximity to the Disney attractions. If visiting the Disney parks is your main objective, there's really no way to get any closer than by staying on site. It's easy to hit a park in the morning, return to your resort midday for a nap or some pool time, and then head off to another amusement later in the day. Plus, many of Disney's most popular restaurants, shows and character dining experiences are located in the resorts.

• Free use of Disney's intra-park transportation, including the monorail, boats and buses. If you're only visiting Disney attractions, you can easily survive without a car. Keep in mind, however, Disney World is big (47 square miles to be exact), and using Disney transportation to get from one point to another may require multiple, time-consuming stops and transfers. Some resort guests find driving to be more convenient.

• Free airport transfers and luggage delivery with Disney's Magical Express. With this new service, you can check your bags at your home airport, and, upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, board a Disney coach to your resort without waiting at the baggage claim. Disney will pick up your bags and deliver them to your room. If you're flying on one of Disney's partner airlines (American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Song, Ted or United), you can check your bag and receive your boarding pass at your resort. Once you land, your bags will be waiting at baggage claim. This service will be offered for free through at least October 2006.

• More time in the parks with Extra Magic Hours. Every day, ticket-holding resort guests can enter one of the four Disney theme parks an hour earlier than regular opening time or stay up to three hours later than regular closing time.

• Guaranteed entry into the theme parks, even when parking lots are full.

• Use of a Disney concierge. Visit your resort concierge to purchase park tickets, make dinner reservations or book a tee time at a Disney golf course.

• More Disney "Magic." As with everything else at Disney, resorts are not merely functional, they are an experience unto themselves. Whether it's recreating the African savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or the ambiance of a classic New England seaside town at Disney's Yacht Club, each resort's theme is articulated through its architecture and landscaping.

Why stay off site

Disney resorts have many benefits, however, staying off property may be better for your trip.

• If money is your biggest concern, you'll generally pay less staying outside of Disney World. Disney resort prices (excluding campsites and time-share villas) range from $77 to $131 per night at the cheapest resorts to $349 to $870 at Disney's Grand Floridian. Outside Disney, average hotel rates in 2004 were $45 to $52 in Kissimmee West, $77 to $104 on International Drive and $91 to $124 in Lake Buena Vista, according to research compiled by the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau.

• If you want a lot of space and prefer to book a suite, you'll find more options and lower rates outside Disney. None of Disney's official resorts are all-suite, but there are plenty of all-suite options nearby, including the Double Tree Guest Suites in Downtown Disney, where online rates as low as $89 per night for deluxe suites can be found.

• If you plan on visiting other Orlando attractions such as Sea World or the Universal Parks, staying off site may be more convenient, especially if you don't have a car. Many hotels provide free shuttle service to the other theme parks. Before you book, find out exactly how the hotel's shuttle service works. Some shuttles might only go to select parks, require reservations, run very infrequently or charge a fee.

• If you're looking for an upscale place with amenities for couples or business travelers, there are plenty of properties that offer golf, spa treatments, fine dining and business centers without the kitsch and cost of Disney's more adult-friendly resorts. Check out properties such as the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (online rates from $179 per night) or the Orlando World Center Marriott (online rates from $169 per night).

Making the choice

Making the best decision means doing your homework. Figure out what's most important to each member of your group. Then, go online or pick up a guidebook and learn about the hotels and resorts that fit your interests and budget. Visit Disney World 's Web site. For off site hotels, start with the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site.